U.S. patent number 8,740,158 [Application Number 12/823,894] was granted by the patent office on 2014-06-03 for hat channel adaptor for sprinkler support assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Flexhead Industries, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox. Invention is credited to Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox.
United States Patent |
8,740,158 |
Silcox , et al. |
June 3, 2014 |
Hat channel adaptor for sprinkler support assembly
Abstract
An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support
assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a
ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The
adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be
secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and
second short sides configured to be secured to the support
assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short
side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second
short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel
to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short
sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow,
rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to
be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal
stud furring.
Inventors: |
Silcox; Paul S. F. (Wrentham,
MA), MacDonald; Peter M. (Sherbon, MA), MacDonald, III;
Norman J. (Lunenburg, MA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Silcox; Paul S. F.
MacDonald; Peter M.
MacDonald, III; Norman J. |
Wrentham
Sherbon
Lunenburg |
MA
MA
MA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Flexhead Industries, Inc.
(Harvey, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
44543754 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/823,894 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110315409 A1 |
Dec 29, 2011 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/75; 169/51;
248/342; 169/37; 248/343; 248/317; 239/283; 248/316.5;
248/230.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C
35/68 (20130101); Y10T 29/49826 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A62C
31/28 (20060101); F16L 3/12 (20060101); F16L
3/00 (20060101); E04B 9/06 (20060101); A62C
35/68 (20060101); B05B 15/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;169/16,37,51
;239/273,282,283 ;248/65,72,73,75,230.4,231.51,316.5,317,342-344
;52/506.06,506.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1 695 744 |
|
Aug 2006 |
|
EP |
|
1695744 |
|
Aug 2006 |
|
EP |
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6-337082 |
|
Dec 1994 |
|
JP |
|
9-196241 |
|
Jul 1997 |
|
JP |
|
2009/082082 |
|
Jul 2009 |
|
WO |
|
2009082082 |
|
Jul 2009 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion received for PCT
Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/041775, mailed Jan. 10, 2013, 8
pages. cited by applicant .
Standard Specification for Nonstructural Steel Framing Members,
ASTM International, Aug. 29, 2008--Designation: C645-08a. cited by
applicant .
Standard Specification for the Manufacture, Performance, and
Testing of Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and lay-in
Panel Ceilings, ASTM International, Oct. 2004--Designation C
635-04. cited by applicant .
Standard Practice for Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension
Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels, ASTM International,
Jun. 10, 2004--Designation C 636-04. cited by applicant .
Standard Practice for Application for Ceiling Suspension Systems
for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels in Areas Requiring Seismic
Restraint, ASTM International, May 31, 2006--Designation; E 580-02.
cited by applicant .
Standard Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members to
Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum Panel Products, ASTM International,
Aug. 28, 2008--Designation: C754-07. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Gorman; Darren W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kacvinsky Daisak Bluni PLLC
Claims
We claim:
1. An adaptor configured to receive a support assembly for mounting
a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure,
the ceiling support structure including parallel, spaced beams, the
adaptor comprising; first and second long sides configured to be
secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and
second short sides configured to be secured to the support
assembly, one end of each long side being joined by the first short
side, and an opposed end of each long side being joined by the
second short side such that the first and second long sides are
parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second
short sides, each short side having an L cross-sectional shape
defined by a short side base portion, and a short side upright
portion extending in a direction generally normal to the short side
base portion, the one end and opposed end of each long side being
supported on the short side base portion; wherein the first and
second long sides each have a long side base portion and a long
side upright portion extending generally normal to the long side
base portion; and wherein respective free edges of the first and
second long side base portions are oriented outwardly with respect
to a center of the adapter such that the respective upright
portions of the first and second long sides are disposed inward
relative to ends of the short sides.
2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein each short side includes a flange
protruding from the short side upright portion on a side opposed to
the short side base portion such that each short side has a T
cross-sectional shape.
3. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the one end and the opposed end
of each long side is supported on the short side base portion so as
to abut the short side upright portion.
4. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein each long side has an L
cross-sectional shape defined by the long side base portion, and
the long side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the long side base portion, the free edges of each long
side base portion being aligned with one of the ends of an
associated one of the first and second short sides.
5. The adaptor of claim 4 wherein the spacing between the
respective long side upright portions corresponds to the width of
the support assembly.
6. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein a free edge of each short side
upright portion includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction
away from the short side base portion.
7. The adaptor of claim 6 wherein each protrusion is formed by
rolling the free edge of the short side upright portion back over
the short side upright portion so the short side upright portion
has a cross section in the form of the letter P.
8. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the beams include hat channel
members.
9. The adaptor of claim 8 wherein each hat channel member includes
a channel base, sidewalls extending from opposed side edges of the
channel base, and a flange extending along an edge of each sidewall
in a direction generally parallel to the channel base, wherein each
long side is configured to secure to the flange.
10. The adaptor of claim 9 wherein each long side has an L
cross-sectional shape defined by the long side base portion, and
the long side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the long side base portion, wherein the long side base
portion is configured to secure to the flange.
11. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the beams include metal
studs.
12. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the beams include wood
studs.
13. The adaptor of claim 1 further configured to provide sufficient
height for mounting the flexible fire sprinkler fitting at a
vertical location relative to the ceiling support structure to
permit one of semi-recessed or fully recessed position of a
sprinkler head connected to the fitting.
14. A fire sprinkler support assembly for supporting a flexible
fire sprinkler fitting within a ceiling support structure
comprising parallel, spaced beams, the support assembly comprising:
an adaptor, a bracket including a leg and first and second
connection members, and a hub assembly including first and second
mounting elements, wherein the adaptor includes first and second
long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent
pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be
secured to the support assembly, one end of each long side being
joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long
side being joined by the second short side such that the first and
second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to
the first and second short sides, each short side having an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a short side base portion, and a
short side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the short side base portion, the one end and opposed end
of each long side being supported on the short side base portion,
the leg extending transverse to the short sides, the first and
second connection members disposed at opposite ends of the leg such
that opposed ends of the leg are connected to and supported on the
short sides via the connection members, and wherein the hub
assembly is supported on the leg and includes a hub opening
configured to receive the flexible fire sprinkler fitting; wherein
the bracket includes a central slot and first and second lateral
slots in the leg, the first and second lateral slots disposed
between the central slot and first and second lateral sides of the
leg, the central slot and the first and second laterals slots
elongated in a direction transverse to a width of the leg, the
central slot extending substantially from the first connection
member to the second connection member, the central slot having a
length that is less than a length of the leg, the first and second
lateral slots sized to receive the first and second mounting
elements of the hub assembly.
15. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein each
connection member is coupled to an associated one of said short
side upright portions.
16. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein each
connection member is configured to engage a protrusion formed on an
associated one of said short side upright portions.
17. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein each
long side has an L cross-sectional shape defined by the long side
base portion, and the long side upright portion extending in a
direction generally normal to the long side base portion, and the
spacing between the respective long side upright portions
corresponds to the width of an associated one of the connection
members.
18. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the hub
assembly includes a primary support member mounted to the leg, and
a secondary support member rotatable relative to the primary
support member between an open position and a closed position, and
in the closed position, cut outs formed in the primary support
member cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary
support member to define the hub opening.
19. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 18 wherein the hub
assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to
selectively connect the primary support member to the secondary
support member, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary
support member that is configured to secure the position of the
portion of the flexible fire sprinkler fitting within the hub
opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.
20. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the
beams include hat channel members.
21. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the
beams include hat channel members, and each hat channel member
includes a channel base, sidewalls extending from opposed side
edges of the channel base, and a flange extending along an edge of
each sidewall in a direction generally parallel to the channel
base, wherein each long side is configured to secure to the
flange.
22. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the
beams include metal studs.
23. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the
beams include wood studs.
24. The fire sprinkler support assembly of claim 14 wherein the
assembly is configured to provide sufficient height for mounting
the flexible fire sprinkler fitting at a vertical location relative
to the ceiling support structure to permit one of semi-recessed or
fully recessed position of a sprinkler head connected to the
fitting.
25. A fire protection sprinkler system comprising the support
assembly of claim 14 and a flexible sprinkler assemblage, the
flexible sprinkler assemblage including the flexible fire sprinkler
fitting including a first end configured to connect to a flexible
fluid supply line, and a second end configured to connect to a fire
sprinkler head, and a flexible fluid supply line connected to the
first end, wherein a portion of the flexible fire sprinkler fitting
is disposed in the hub opening.
26. A fire sprinkler support assembly for supporting a flexible
fire sprinkler fitting within a ceiling structure comprising
parallel, spaced beams, the support assembly comprising an adaptor,
a leg, and a hub assembly, the adaptor including first and second
long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent
pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be
secured to the support assembly, one end of each long side being
joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long
side being joined by the second short side such that the first and
second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to
the first and second short sides, each short side having an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a short side base portion, and a
short side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the short side base portion, the one end and opposed end
of each long side being supported on the short side base portion,
the leg extending transverse to the short sides, opposed ends of
the leg being connected to and supported on the short sides via
connection members, and the hub assembly being supported on the leg
and including a hub opening configured to receive the flexible fire
sprinkler fitting; wherein each long side has an L cross-sectional
shape defined by a long side base portion, and a long side upright
portion extending in a direction generally normal to the long side
base portion, and the spacing between the respective long side
upright portions corresponds to the width of an associated one of
the connection members.
27. A fire sprinkler support assembly for supporting a flexible
fire sprinkler fitting within a ceiling structure comprising
parallel, spaced beams, the support assembly comprising an adaptor,
a leg, and a hub assembly, the adaptor including first and second
long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent
pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be
secured to the support assembly, one end of each long side being
joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long
side being joined by the second short side such that the first and
second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to
the first and second short sides, each short side having an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a short side base portion, and a
short side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the short side base portion, the one end and opposed end
of each long side being supported on the short side base portion,
the leg extending transverse to the short sides, opposed ends of
the leg being connected to and supported on the short sides via
connection members, and the hub assembly being supported on the leg
and including a hub opening configured to receive the flexible fire
sprinkler fitting; wherein the hub assembly includes a primary
support member mounted to the leg, and a secondary support member
rotatable relative to the primary support member between an open
position and a closed position, and in the closed position, cut
outs formed in the primary support member cooperate together with
cut outs formed in the secondary support member to define the hub
opening.
Description
The invention relates to an adaptor used in a fire protection
sprinkler head support system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A typical automatic fire sprinkler system includes a network of
pipes that carry a fire suppression fluid, e.g., water, to each
room in a building. Conduit sections carry the fluid from the pipes
to sprinkler heads strategically located in different rooms. The
position and orientation of each sprinkler head is typically
maintained in place by a support assembly. When the room reaches an
elevated temperature due to a fire, the sprinkler head is activated
allowing a stream of fire suppression fluid to be directed over the
intended area of coverage. During operation, the fluid pressure at
the sprinkler head can reach as high as 175 psi, generating
significant back pressure on the sprinkler head's support system.
The support assembly is used to hold the sprinkler head securely in
place during operation.
Some known sprinkler support assemblies are designed to secure a
sprinkler head at a predetermined position within suspended ceiling
system formed an array of T-bar furring members. However, suspended
ceiling systems are not limited to T-bar type systems, and may
include alternative suspension systems in which the support grid is
formed of alternative furring members.
SUMMARY
In some aspects, an adaptor is provided that is configured to
receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler
fitting in a ceiling support structure, the ceiling support
structure including parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes
first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam
of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides
configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each
long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of
each long side is joined by the second short side such that the
first and second long sides are parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the first and second short sides. Each short side
has an L cross-sectional shape defined by a short side base
portion, and a short side upright portion extending in a direction
generally normal to the short side base portion, and the one end
and opposed end of each long side are supported on the short side
base portion.
The adaptor may include one or more of the following features: Each
short side includes a flange protruding from the short side upright
on a side opposed to the short side base such that each short side
has a T cross-sectional shape. The one end and the opposed end of
each long side is supported on the short side base portion so as to
abut the short side upright portion. Each long side has an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a long side base portion, and a
long side upright portion extending in a direction generally normal
to the long side base portion, a free edge of the long side base
portion being aligned with an end of the short side. The spacing
between the respective long side upright portions corresponds to
the width of the support assembly. A free edge of the short side
upright portion includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction
away from the short side base portion. The protrusion is formed by
rolling the free edge of the short side upright portion back over
the short side upright portion so the short side upright portion
has a cross section in the form of the letter P. The beams include
hat channel members. Each hat channel member includes a channel
base, sidewalls extending from opposed side edges of the channel
base, and a flange extending along an edge of each sidewall in a
direction generally parallel to the channel base, wherein the long
side is configured to secure to the flange. Each long side has an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a long side base portion, and a
long side upright portion extending in a direction generally normal
to the long side base portion, wherein the long side base portion
is configured to secure to the flange. The beams include metal
studs. The beams include wood studs. The adaptor is further
configured to provide sufficient height for mounting the flexible
fire sprinkler fitting at a vertical location relative to the
ceiling support structure to permit one of semi-recessed or fully
recessed position of a sprinkler head connected to the fitting.
In some aspects, a fire sprinkler support assembly is provided for
supporting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting within a ceiling
structure comprising parallel, spaced beams. The support assembly
includes an adaptor, a leg, and a hub assembly. The adaptor
includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to
each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short
sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of
each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed
end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that
the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the first and second short sides. Each short side
has an L cross-sectional shape defined by a short side base
portion, and a short side upright portion extending in a direction
generally normal to the short side base portion. The one end and
opposed end of each long side are supported on the short side base
portion. The leg extends transverse to the short sides, and opposed
ends of the leg are connected to and supported on the short sides
via connection members. In addition, the hub assembly is supported
on the leg and includes a hub opening configured to receive the
flexible fire sprinkler fitting.
The fire sprinkler support assembly may include one or more of the
following features: The leg includes a bar, and each connection
member is configured to straddle a short side upright portion. Each
connection member is clamped to a short side upright portion. Each
connection member is configured to engage a protrusion formed on a
short side upright portion. The leg includes a central slot. The
leg includes lateral slots disposed between the central slot and
lateral sides of the leg. Each long side has an L cross-sectional
shape defined by a long side base portion, and a long side upright
portion extending in a direction generally normal to the long side
base portion, and the spacing between the respective long side
upright portions corresponds to the width of the connection member.
The hub assembly includes a primary support mounted to the leg, and
a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support
member between an open position and a closed position, and in the
closed position, cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate
together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define
the hub opening. The hub assembly further includes a locking
mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to
the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the
primary support that is configured to secure the position of the
portion of the flexible fire sprinkler fitting within the hub
opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism. The beams
include hat channel. The beams include hat channel, and each hat
channel includes a channel base, sidewalls extending from opposed
side edges of the channel base, and a flange extending along an
edge of each sidewall in a direction generally parallel to the
channel base, and the long side is configured to secure to the
flange. The beams include metal studs. The beams include wood
studs. The assembly is configured to provide sufficient height for
mounting the flexible fire sprinkler fitting at a vertical location
relative to the ceiling support structure to permit one of
semi-recessed or fully recessed position of a sprinkler head
connected to the fitting.
In some aspects, a fire protection sprinkler system is provided
which includes the support assembly described above and a flexible
sprinkler assemblage. The flexible sprinkler assemblage includes
the flexible fire sprinkler fitting including a first end
configured to connect to a flexible fluid supply line, and a second
end configured to connect to a fire sprinkler head. The assemblage
also includes a flexible fluid supply line connected to the first
end. A portion of the flexible fire sprinkler fitting is disposed
in the hub opening.
In some aspects, a method of mounting a support assembly within a
non-T-bar ceiling support structure is provided. The support
assembly is configured to secure a flexible fire sprinkler fitting
to a T-bar ceiling support structure. The non-T-bar ceiling support
structure includes parallel, spaced beams. The method includes
positioning an adaptor such that the adaptor rests on each beam of
a pair of adjacent beams, the adaptor configured to correspond to
the configuration of a portion of a T-bar ceiling support
structure; securing the adaptor to each beam of the pair of
adjacent beams; and securing the support assembly to the
adaptor.
The method may include one or more of the following additional
steps or features: The adaptor includes first and second long sides
configured to be secured to each beam of the adjacent pair of
beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to
the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the
first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by
the second short side such that the first and second long sides are
parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second
short sides. Each short side has an L cross-sectional shape defined
by a short side base portion, and a short side upright portion
extending in a direction generally normal to the short side base
portion. The one end and opposed end of each long side are
supported on the short side base portion, and the step of securing
the adaptor to the beam includes fixing each long side to a beam.
The support assembly includes a leg extending transverse to the
short sides, opposed ends of the leg including connection members,
and a hub assembly supported on the leg and including a hub opening
configured to receive the flexible fire sprinkler fitting, and the
step of securing the support assembly to the adaptor includes
connecting the connection members to the short sides. A free edge
of the short side upright portion includes a protrusion that
protrudes in a direction away from the short side base portion, and
the respective connection members are configured to engage the
protrusion when connecting to the short sides. Each long side has
an L cross-sectional shape defined by a long side base portion, and
a long side upright portion extending in a direction generally
normal to the long side base portion, and the spacing between the
respective long side upright portions corresponds to the width of
the support assembly. The beams include hat channel. In addition,
each hat channel includes a channel base, sidewalls extending from
opposed side edges of the channel base, and a flange extending
along an edge of each sidewall in a direction generally parallel to
the channel base, and the long side is configured to secure to the
flange. The beams include metal studs. The beams include wood
studs. The step of securing the support assembly to the adaptor
includes providing sufficient vertical spacing between the support
assembly and a ceiling panel secured to the ceiling support
structure to permit a fire sprinkler head mounted to the fitting to
be in a fully recessed or semi recessed position relative to the
ceiling panel.
The adaptor receives and supports a sprinkler support assembly that
is designed for installation within a T-bar grid suspended ceiling,
and quickly and easily secures the sprinkler support assembly
within a suspended ceiling system that is not of the T-bar grid
type. Thus, the adaptor adapts the sprinkler support assembly for
use in non-T-bar-type suspended ceilings such as those formed with
hat channel furring, or formed of parallel studs.
The adaptor enables positioning of the sprinkler support assembly
at a predetermined position within suspended ceiling system. The
adaptor permits the sprinkler support assembly, and thus the
sprinkler head, to be positioned at a desired location within the
plane of the ceiling. In addition, the adaptor positions the
sprinkler support assembly at an appropriate height above the
ceiling to permit semi-recessed or fully recessed positioning of
the sprinkler head relative to the ceiling. In practice, as many as
90 percent of fire sprinkler heads are mounted within ceilings in a
semi-recessed or fully-recessed configuration. However, many types
of ceiling structural support beams, including hat channel furring,
are not of sufficient height to provide adequate vertical spacing
for the support and sprinkler head assemblies relative to the
ceiling to permit such recessed sprinkler head mounting. The
adaptor allows installation of the support assembly on the support
beam and also leaves sufficient vertical spacing between the
ceiling and support assembly to permit positioning of the sprinkler
head in the desired recessed configuration.
Modes for carrying out the present invention are explained below by
reference to an embodiment of the present invention shown in the
attached drawings. The above-mentioned object, other objects,
characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description of the embodiment of the
invention presented below in conjunction with the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of adaptors used to
mount sprinkler support assemblies within a suspended ceiling
formed of hat channel furring.
FIG. 2 is a side view of one of the adaptors of FIG. 1 supporting a
sprinkler support assembly within a suspended ceiling formed of hat
channel furring.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the adaptor and sprinkler
support assembly of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view of the adaptor of FIG. 2 as seen along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a view of the adaptor of FIG. 2 as seen along line 5-5 of
FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the adaptor and
sprinkler support assembly of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative adaptor
and alternative sprinkler support assembly.
FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the adaptor and
sprinkler support assembly of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the adaptor and sprinkler support assembly
of FIG. 7 within a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel
furring.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the adaptor and sprinkler support
assembly of FIG. 7 within a suspended ceiling formed of metal
studs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIG. 1, a sprinkler system 14 includes several
sprinkler support assemblies 416 mounted within a ceiling 2 having
a ceiling frame 4 formed of an array of rectangular frame sections
6 (one frame section 6 is shown with cross hatch). The ceiling
frame 4 can be a suspended ceiling for supporting a ceiling panel
12. For example, the ceiling frame 4 may consist of a series of
parallel, spaced hat furring channel 3 supported on cross furring
members 5. The cross furring members 5 are suspended from an
overlying building structure using flexible wire 7, and may be
configured according to ASTM International standards. The standards
may include, but are not limited to, those set forth in one or more
of designations C645-08a and C754-07, which are each incorporated
herein by reference. In order to protect the room from fire, the
sprinkler system 14 is most commonly located above the ceiling
frame 4, but can also reside in a floor or in one or more
walls.
The fire sprinkler system 14 can include supply pipes 24 as part of
a fire suppression fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system
can be dedicated to fire suppression, or can also deliver water to
other functions (e.g., within the building). The fire sprinkler
system 14 also includes a flexible sprinkler assemblage 15 that
carries the fire suppression fluid, e.g. water, from the supply
pipes 24 to the sprinkler head 18. For example, the flexible
sprinkler assemblage 15 can include an inlet fitting 23 which
connects the assemblage 15 to the supply pipe 24, and a flexible
conduit 22 which extends between the inlet fitting 23 and one end
of a rigid sprinkler head fitting 20. The flexible conduit 22 may
be formed of braided metal, and be welded to both the inlet fitting
23 and sprinkler head fitting 20 (FIG. 2), or may be formed of
corrugated metal and joined to both the inlet fitting and sprinkler
head fitting 20 using screw connectors (FIGS. 9 and 10). The
assemblage 15 can further include the sprinkler head 18 which is
connected to another end of the sprinkler head fitting 20. When the
room reaches elevated temperatures, sprinkler head 18 is activated
and a stream of fire suppression fluid is directed into the room to
extinguish the fire.
In order to function effectively, sprinkler head 18 must be held
firmly in place during operation. Sprinkler support assemblies 416
are designed to secure a sprinkler head 18 at a predetermined
position within a frame section 6 of a grid of T-bar furring
members, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,097 which
is incorporated here by reference. Due to the significant back
pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough, sprinkler head 18 is
subjected to tremendous side, rotational, and torsional forces,
which are capable of changing the position of the sprinkler head
18, thereby causing the fluid to be directed away from the intended
target. The sprinkler support assembly 416 is configured to resist
movement of sprinkler head 18 by distributing the forces to
spaced-apart points along the periphery of one of the rectangular
frame sections 6.
Referring FIG. 2, an adaptor 300 is used to adapt the sprinkler
support assembly 416 for use within ceiling frame 4, which is a
non-T-bar grid ceiling suspension system. The adaptor 300 receives
and supports the sprinkler support assembly 416 and can be rigidly
secured to the ceiling frame 4 in such a manner that the sprinkler
head 18 can be positioned at any location within the rectangular
frame section 6, as discussed further below.
In the illustrated embodiment, the opposed sides 8, 10 of the
rectangular frame section 6 correspond to an adjacent pair of hat
furring channel 3. When viewed in cross-section, each hat channel 3
includes a channel base 42 which extends generally parallel to the
ceiling 2 and which provides a flat surface to which the ceiling
panel 12 is secured. Hat channel sidewalls 44 extend out of the
plane defined by the channel base 42 from opposed side edges of the
channel base 42, and a flange 46 extends along an edge of each hat
channel sidewall 44 in a direction generally parallel to the
channel base 42. Thus, the flanges 46 also extend generally
parallel to the ceiling 2, and provide a surface to which the
adaptor 300 is secured.
Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the adaptor 300 includes first and second
long sides 302, 322 that extend across the rectangular frame
section 6 from one frame side 8 to the opposite and parallel frame
side 10 and are secured to each respective frame side 8, 10. The
adaptor 300 also includes first and second short sides 342, 362
that are sized and shaped to receive and be secured to a support
assembly 416. In particular, the first and second short sides 342,
362 each have a cross-sectional size and shape that generally
corresponds to that of a T-bar furring member, as discussed further
below. A first end 304, 324 of each long side 302, 322 is joined by
the first short side 342, and an opposed, second end 306, 326 of
each long side 302, 322 is joined by the second short side 362 such
that the first and second long sides 302, 322 are parallel to each
other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides 342,
362, providing a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular
structure. The long sides 302, 322 and the short sides 342, 362 are
conventionally joined by, for example, riveting or welding.
The first and second short sides 342, 362 each have a
cross-sectional shape in the form of a T, for example generally
having the following appearance: .perp.. This shape permits the
sprinkler support assembly 416, which is designed to be secured to
T-bar furring members, to be easily and quickly secured to the
adaptor 300. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the T
section can be considered to include an L cross section: .left
brkt-bot., or its mirror image: .right brkt-bot., defined by a
short side base portion 350, 370, and a short side upright portion
348, 368 extending in a direction generally normal to the short
side base portion 350, 370. In addition, each short side 342, 362
includes a base flange 354, 374 protruding from the short side
upright portion 348, 368 on a side opposed to the short side base
350, 370 such that each short side 342, 362 has the T
cross-sectional shape.
In addition, each short side upright portion 348, 368 includes a
protrusion 359, 379 formed along a free edge 349, 369 of the short
side upright portion 348, 368. The protrusion 359, 379, which is
intended to mimic a bulb provided at a corresponding location on a
standard T-bar furring member, is formed by rolling the free edge
349, 369 back over the corresponding short side upright portion
348, 368 so the short side upright portion 348, 368 has a cross
section generally in the form of the letter P. For each short side
upright portion 348, 368, the protrusion 359, 739 protrudes in a
direction away from the short side base portion 350, 370 and thus
overlies the corresponding short side base flange 354, 374.
The first and second long sides 302, 322 each have an L
cross-sectional shape defined by a long side base portion 312, 332,
and a long side upright portion 308, 328 extending in a direction
generally normal to the long side base portion 312, 332. The first
ends 304, 324 of each respective long side 302, 322 are supported
on the base portion 350 of the first short side 342 so as to abut
the first short side upright portion 348. Likewise, the second ends
306, 326 of each respective long side 302, 322 are supported on the
base portion 370 of the second short side 362 so as to abut the
second short side upright portion 368. In addition, the free edge
314 of the first long side base portion 312 is aligned with the
respective first ends 344, 364 of the short sides 342, 362, and the
free edge 334 of the second long side base portion 332 is aligned
with the respective second end 346, 366 of the short sides 342,
362. As a result, the respective uprights 308, 328 of the long
sides 302, 322 are disposed inward relative to the ends 344,346,
364, 366 of the short sides 342, 362.
In addition to providing a mounting structure to which the support
structure 416 can be easily and securely attached, the adaptor 300
also serves to provide additional support for the mounting
structure 416. In particular, the spacing w1 between the respective
long side upright portions is set to correspond to the width of the
support assembly being adapted. In this case, the spacing w1
between the respective long side upright portions is set to
correspond to the width w2 of the support assembly 416. As a
result, the long side upright portions 308, 328 provide an abutting
surface which support lateral edges of the clip portion 434 of the
support assembly 416, providing further lateral stabilization of
the support assembly 416 within the ceiling frame 4.
The length of the adaptor 300 is slightly greater than the distance
between an adjacent pair of hat furring channel 3, so that the when
the adaptor is disposed within the ceiling frame 4, the long sides
302, 322 extend across the adjacent pair of hat furring channel 3.
in the illustrated embodiment, the long sides 302, 322 of the
adaptor 300 are disposed generally transverse to the hat furring
channel 3. In addition, the base portion 312, 332 of each long side
302, 322 rests on, and is secured to the flange 46 of a hat furring
channel 3 using a fastener 48 such as a screw.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, the adaptor 300 receives
and supports the sprinkler support assembly 416 and rigidly secures
the sprinkler support assembly 416 to the ceiling frame 4 in such a
manner that the sprinkler head 18 can be positioned at any location
within the rectangular frame section 6. The sprinkler support
assembly 416 includes a hub assembly 1100 which receives a portion
of the fire sprinkler assemblage 15, and a bracket 430 which
connects the hub assembly 1100 to the adaptor 300.
The bracket 430 is configured to resist the forces imparted to
sprinkler head 18 during its operation, and includes a leg 432 and
clip portions 434 which connect the leg 432 to the respective short
sides 342, 362 of the adaptor 300. The leg 432 is a relatively wide
member that extends from the first adaptor short side 342 to the
opposed adaptor short side 362, and thus lies generally parallel to
the ceiling 2 as well as the respective adaptor long sides 302,
322. The clip portions 434, which connect the leg 432 to the
respective short sides 342, 362, may be fixed to the short side
342, 362 using screws. The leg 432, including the clip portions
434, is provided with a width w1 that ensures that the forces on
the support assembly 416 during sprinkler head operation are
distributed to several points 26 along a portion each of the
adaptor short sides 342, 362. As a result, stability of the support
assembly 416 is ensured and the sprinkler head 18 is prevented from
moving or rotating in any direction during operation.
The leg 432 includes a central slot 436 that is sized to receive
the sprinkler head fitting 20, and is elongated in a direction
transverse to the width of the leg 432 to permit adjustment of the
position of the sprinkler head fitting 20 within the frame section
6. For example, the central slot 436 extends substantially from one
short side 342 to the other 362. The leg 432 also includes lateral
slots 438 sized to receive a hub assembly mounting screw 440. The
lateral slots 438 are disposed between the central slot 436 and
lateral sides 442, 444 of the leg 432, and are elongated in a
direction transverse to the width of the leg 432 to permit
adjustment of the location of the screws within the leg 432.
Although the lateral slots 432 spaced apart along the transverse
direction, the position of the adaptor 300 relative to the ceiling
frame 4 can be adjusted to accommodate for this spacing between
adjacent slots 432, whereby the adjustment of the position of the
sprinkler head fitting 20 within the frame section 6 is
unlimited.
The hub assembly 1100 includes a primary support 1102 which mounts
on the leg 432 of the support assembly 416, and a secondary support
1202 that is rotatably connected to the primary support 1102, as
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/784,286, which
is incorporated here by reference. The secondary support 1202
rotates relative to the primary support 1102 about a pin 1106
between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (shown).
The primary support 1102 and secondary support 1202 are each formed
having cut out portions 1104, 1204, so that when the secondary
support 1202 is in the closed position relative to the primary
support 1102, the cut out 1104 formed in the primary support 1102
cooperates with the cut out 1204 formed in the secondary support
1202 to define a hub opening 1150 configured to receive and
securely retain the sprinkler head fitting 20. When the hub
assembly 1100 is secured to the leg 432, the hub opening 1150
coincides with the central slot 436. In addition, the hub assembly
1100 includes a locking mechanism 1108 that selectively connects
the primary support 1102 to the secondary support 1202, and an
adjustment mechanism 1110 provided on the primary support 1102 is
used to secure the position of the sprinkler head fitting 20 within
the hub opening 1150.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative sprinkler support
assembly 16 includes a hub assembly 100 and a leg 50 that connects
an alternative hub assembly 100 at a predetermined position within
a frame section 6 of a grid of T-bar furring members. In addition,
an alternative embodiment adaptor 400 is used to adapt the
sprinkler support assembly 16 for use within the suspended ceiling
frame 4 formed of hat furring channel 3.
The adaptor 400 is substantially similar to adaptor 300 described
above, and therefore structures common to both adaptors 300, 400
will be referred to using the same reference numbers, and
descriptions of common structures will be omitted. The adaptor 400
differs from the earlier embodiment only with respect to its width,
as discussed further below. Like the earlier embodiment adaptor
300, the adaptor 400 receives and supports the sprinkler support
assembly 16 and can be rigidly secured to the ceiling frame 4 in
such a manner that the sprinkler head 18 can be positioned at any
location within the rectangular frame section 6, as discussed
further below.
The hub assembly 100 is supported within the frame section 6 by the
leg 50 which is in the form of a slender bar that extends across
the adaptor 400 from the first short side 342 to the opposite and
parallel second short side 362. The leg 50 of the sprinkler support
assembly 16 is configured to resist the forces imparted to
sprinkler head 18 during its operation. Opposed ends of the leg 50
include clips 52 through which the leg 50 is supported above the
adaptor short sides 342, 362. Each clip 52 is bifurcated, straddles
the corresponding adaptor short side 342, 362, and is fixed
thereto, for example using a bolt 54 which passes through the clip
52 to clamp the clip 52 to the short side upright portion 348, 368
with its T-bar-like profile. The clamping surface 56 of each clip
52 includes an inward protruding lip which can engage the
respective protrusions 359, 379 of the adaptor short sides 342, 362
to ensure that the sprinkler support assembly is securely joined to
the adaptor 400.
As discussed above with respect to the adaptor 300, the adaptor 400
also serves to provide additional support for the mounting
structure 16. In particular, the spacing w3 between the respective
long side upright portions 308, 328 is set to correspond to the
width of the support assembly being adapted. In this case, the
spacing w3 between the respective long side upright portions 308,
328 is set to correspond to the width w4 of the support clips 52 of
the support assembly 16. As a result, the long side upright
portions 308, 328 provide an abutting surface which support lateral
edges of the clips 52, providing further lateral stabilization of
the support assembly 16 within the ceiling frame 4.
Referring to FIG. 9, the length of the adaptor 400 is slightly
greater than the distance between an adjacent pair of hat furring
channel 3, so that the when the adaptor 400 is disposed within the
ceiling frame 4, the long sides 302, 322 extend across the adjacent
pair of hat furring channel 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the
long sides 302, 322 of the adaptor 300 are disposed generally
transverse to the hat furring channel 3. In addition, the base
portion 312, 332 of each long side 302, 322 rests on, and is
secured to the flange 46 of a hat furring channel 3 using a
fastener 48 such as a screw.
The alternative embodiment hub assembly 100 is used with the
sprinkler support assembly 16 and includes a primary support 102
which mounts on the leg 50, and a secondary support 202 that is
rotatably connected to the primary support 102, as described in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/784,286. The secondary
support 202 rotates relative to the primary support 102 about a pin
106 between an open position (not shown) and a closed position
(shown). The primary support 102 and secondary support 202 are each
formed having cut out portions 104, 204, so that when the secondary
support 202 is in the closed position relative to the primary
support 102, the cut out 104 formed in the primary support 102
cooperates with the cut out 204 formed in the secondary support 202
to define a hub opening 150 configured to receive and securely
retain the sprinkler head fitting 20. The hub assembly 100 includes
a locking mechanism 108 that selectively connects the primary
support 102 to the secondary support 202. In addition, the hub
assembly 100 includes an adjustment mechanism 110 provided on the
primary support 102 is used to secure the position of the hub
assembly 100 relative to the leg 50 and the position of the
sprinkler head fitting 20 within the hub opening 150.
Referring to FIG. 10, although the illustrated embodiments disclose
use of the adaptors 300, 400 to adapt the sprinkler support
assemblies 16, 416 for use with a ceiling frame 4 formed of
parallel, spaced hat furring channel 3, the adaptors 300, 400 are
not limited to use with hat furring channel 3. For example, the
adaptor 300, 400 can adapt the sprinkler support assemblies 16, 416
for use in other non-T-bar-type ceilings having parallel, spaced
ceiling beams including wood or metal studs 9. For example, in a
sheetrock ceiling 12 that is supported by metal studs 9, the
adaptor 400 is secured to each stud 9 of a pair of adjacent metal
studs 9. In particular, the base portion 312, 332 of the long sides
302, 322 of the adaptor 400 are secured to the metal studs using
screws 48. The adaptor 400 receives and supports the sprinkler
support assembly 16 including the hub assembly 100. The hub
assembly 100 supports the sprinkler head fitting 20 so as to
maintain the sprinkler head 18 in the desired position relative to
the sheet rock ceiling panel 12. In this embodiment, because the
metal studs 9 are relatively tall compared to the hat channel
furring 3, the clips 54 are formed with a reduced vertical
dimension in order to permit correct placement of the sprinkler
head 18 within the ceiling 2.
A selected illustrative embodiment of the invention is described
above in some detail. It should be understood that only structures
considered necessary for clarifying the present invention have been
described herein. Other conventional structures, and those of
ancillary and auxiliary components of the system, are assumed to be
known and understood by those skilled in the art. Moreover, while a
working example of the present invention has been described above,
the present invention is not limited to the working example
described above, but various design alterations may be carried out
without departing from the present invention as set forth in the
claims.
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